# Launch checklist template

> A software launch checklist template covering product, quality and go-to-market, launch day and after launch. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.

What must be true before you ship, on the day and after.

Web page: https://kansohq.app/templates/launch-checklist

Updated: 5 October 2026

## The template

> Every line has one owner and one date. If a line has neither, it is not on the list yet.

### Before launch

#### Product

- [ ] The scope of the release is frozen and written down
- [ ] Every must-have task is done and its acceptance criteria are met
- [ ] Known bugs are triaged: fixed, or accepted with a reason

#### Quality

- [ ] The test plan has been run on the release build
- [ ] The rollback steps are written down and someone has tried them

#### Go to market

- [ ] The release notes are written and reviewed
- [ ] Support knows what is changing and where to send questions
- [ ] The docs and the help pages match the release

### Launch day

- [ ] Name who decides go or no-go, and by when
- [ ] Ship the release
- [ ] Watch the first signals: errors, sign-ups, support
- [ ] Tell the team and the customers

### After launch

- [ ] Look at the numbers a day and a week later
- [ ] Hold a retrospective

### Risks and open questions

-

In Kanso, add a page and pick this template, or type / in any doc.

## How to fill it in

1. Give every line an owner and a date.
2. Try the rollback before the day.
3. Name who decides go or no-go.
4. Look at the numbers a week later.

## Questions

### What should a software launch checklist include?

Product readiness, quality checks including a tested rollback, go-to-market tasks such as release notes and a support briefing, launch day steps and what to do afterwards.

### Who owns the launch checklist?

One person owns the list and the go or no-go decision. Each line has its own owner and date.

### Is a launch checklist the same as a release plan?

No. A release plan covers the run up to the date. The checklist is the final set of questions that must be answered yes.

## Keep reading

- [A software launch checklist, step by step](https://kansohq.app/guides/software-launch-checklist.md): A software launch checklist for product, quality and go-to-market, plus launch day and what to do after. Copy it, give every line an owner and ship.
- [Test plan template for software releases | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/test-plan.md): A test plan template with scope, risks, test cases, environments, exit criteria and sign-off. Copy it, or start it as a page in Kanso.
- [Release notes template: what changed and why | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/release-notes.md): A release notes template with a summary, what is new, improved and fixed, known issues and upgrade notes. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.
- [Retrospective template for software teams | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/retrospective.md): A retrospective template with what went well, what did not, what we learned and what we will change, each change with an owner. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.

[Kanso home, with plans and prices](https://kansohq.app/index.md)